Religion has a lot to answer for. I was aware that all North London schools supply 100 per cent Halal meat to their pupils and didn't I read in the Mail that East Yorkshire hospitals' meat is also all Halal?

So, I'm pleased the subject was discussed recently on TV.

A caring Hull lady voiced her opposition to this animal abuse.

A Muslim guest said: "It's about freedom of choice."

Most intelligent people would disagree.

Viva – a vegetarian organisation – rightly states we don't allow multiple marriages, public beheadings or stoning to death for adultery, but animals don't count.

Why the Government and RSPCA don't ban what I consider outdated religious ritual, involving extreme animal abuse, is beyond reasoning.

For people unaware, Shechita (Jewish Kosher) and Halal (Muslim) practices involve fully conscious animals being placed on metal meat crushers with necks brutally extended.

If they are fortunate to have their neck slashed correctly first time, then they should bleed to death after a few minutes, while choking on their own blood.

It's scandalous that the BNP are the only party who would ban Halal.

How can Britain say it has the highest animal welfare standards? I've always disputed that anyway.

Most people are against this animal abuse. If only for the argument that we obey foreign laws while abroad, and people here should do the same. We don't want this garbage in the UK, we are civilised to a point.

S Broom,

Ings Road Estate, Hull.